6 Important Things To Look For in a New Apartment

Buying a new property, be it a landed one or a studio apartment, is a big deal. It’s not a matter to be taken lightly, especially if you’re hunting for your first HDB or condominium. There are a few important things you should include in your checklist when you go property hunting and before you sign the legal documents.

Here’s what you should be looking at:

1. Pipes

The kitchen may look nice, but it’s what lurks beneath that really matters. Open cupboards, go into the utility room and check the pipes. Make sure that there are no mould and cracks, as that would require heavy fixing at a high cost. Mould will also produce a pungent smell if left untreated, and is unhygienic for the family.

3. Cabinets

If the apartment comes with kitchen cabinets, you might want to check the insides for signs of termites and other insects. Some signs to check out: the presence of wings, holes, and sawdust.

4. The switches

Photo credit: Yanko Design

Try every switch to see if it works. If the lights or heater doesn’t come on, it could be that a new bulb is needed, or there are some wiring problems that require an electrician’s attention. The earlier you realise it, the better.

5. Walls

Walls should be stainless and without cracked paints. If you’re buying a pre-owned apartment, check for holes where paintings or hooks used to be – these will need filling. You might also want to ask the agent or homeowner about the type of paint used as it might be material that isn’t child-friendly.

6. Rooms

Most importantly, find out if the apartment has the suitable number of rooms. For families with young children, you’ll want to have a checklist of the hazards (eg. sharp corners, thresholds, etc.) that you don’t want in a home.

Now that you know what to look out for, it’s time to sign the papers and get a contractor in. Click here to hire a professional contractor from Kaodim. Our contractors are licensed, insured and experienced in restructuring your home.